‘Investing in peace in the contemporary era requires technological and structural evolution,’ says ISPR
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said Pakistan joined the international community in paying rich tribute to the brave men and women serving under the United Nations flag on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
In a message issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the day, which is celebrated annually around the world, recognizes the invaluable services and sacrifices rendered by military, police and civilian peacekeepers deployed in conflict-affected regions in pursuit of global peace and security.
This year’s celebration is commemorated under the theme “Investing in Peace”, underlining the critical importance of sustained political commitment and financial support for the promotion of lasting peace and the protection of human lives around the world, the statement added.
“The day also commemorates the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), the first UN peacekeeping mission, which began operations in Palestine in 1948,” he said.
Message from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, May 29, 2026.
Today, Pakistan joins the international community in paying rich tribute to the brave men and women who serve under the flag of the United Nations on the occasion of the International Day… pic.twitter.com/JYSpl15PRY
– Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 29, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz said: “Throughout the history of peacekeeping, more than two million men and women have served in more than 70 UN peacekeeping missions around the world. Pakistan remains one of the largest and longest-serving contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.”
Through their dedicated service, troop-contributing countries continue to play a vital role in maintaining international peace and security, reflecting the collective commitment to peace as a shared global priority, he added.
Since 1960, Pakistan has contributed more than 235,000 troops to more than 48 UN peacekeeping missions, including more than 500 women. It is a matter of immense national pride that Pakistan is today the fifth largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
The prime minister said the brave peacekeepers serving around the world had made extraordinary sacrifices in the service of humanity and global stability. He said the UN peacekeepers’ unwavering dedication to peace was exemplified by the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 4,400 personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty, including more than 181 Pakistani peacekeepers.
Pakistan is immensely proud of its martyrs and all those brave sons and daughters who continue to serve with exceptional professionalism, commitment and determination in promoting peace, stability and protection of vulnerable communities in different regions of the world, he added.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthen global peace efforts through active participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“The country’s continued contribution reflects its enduring commitment to international peace and security, as well as the principles of multilateralism,” the statement concluded.
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Meanwhile, the military’s media wing said, “Pakistan paid rich tribute to the invaluable contributions and ultimate sacrifices made by the ‘Blue Helmets’ for the sacred cause of global peace on the occasion of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2026.”
In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Pakistan’s association with UN peacekeeping transcended six decades, reflecting the country’s firm commitment to international peace.
According to the ISPR, since 1960, more than 237,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in UN missions around the world, while 183 Pakistani personnel have sacrificed their lives in the service of UN peacekeeping efforts.
“Pakistani peacekeepers are currently deployed in high-risk theaters, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo under MONUSCO, South Sudan under UNMISS and the Central African Republic under MINUSCA, where they are conducting a wide range of multidimensional operations ranging from active military operations to combating climate-driven challenges,” the statement added.
ISPR said contemporary war zones have transformed and become increasingly unstable, complex and asymmetric in nature. He said peacekeepers today faced hybrid threats, including cybersecurity risks, digital disinformation campaigns, political fractures and climate-induced humanitarian emergencies.
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The statement noted that the 2026 theme, “Investing in Peace,” underscored a critical paradigm shift from reactive conflict management to proactive peace preservation.
“Investing in peace in the contemporary era requires technological and structural evolution. We must invest in advanced intelligence architecture, robust civil protection mechanisms and climate-resilient operational frameworks to effectively safeguard vulnerable populations,” the statement said.
The Government of Pakistan and its Armed Forces reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the ideas and objectives of United Nations peacekeeping operations by investing in peace through a multi-faceted commitment encompassing human capital, state-of-the-art training facilities and systemic capability development, ISPR said.
“On this revered and proud occasion, Pakistan stands firm alongside the United Nations, reminding the global community that lasting peace is not a guaranteed phenomenon, but requires continued collective investment,” the statement added.
Pakistan also reiterated its fundamental determination to act as a vanguard for international stability, security and humanitarian aid under the flag of the United Nations, the statement concluded.
